Crankwalk Concerns

[jcactus101]

I am a new DSMer, and I have been reading quite a bit on the issue of "crankwalking".

When I bought my DSM (site unseen) I was promised that it was taken extremely good care of, always dealer maintained, etc etc etc... After getting it home, replacing the ancient timing belt, lumpy black oil, and MISSING thermostat, it has become apparent that this poor 95 TSi was hardly taken care of at all... Nearly $1,000 worth of maintenance later, this "crankwalk" issue has me conernced.

If anyone else is confused on what crankwalk is, I found this article to be helpful: What is Crankwalk? - Car Forum Archives | Car Forums

So here are my questions:

1) If my car has 115K, should crankwalk have occoured by now?
2) Is there anything aside from maintenance that I can do to prevent crankwalk?
3) I am shooting for a 250whp daily driver DSM - is this amount of horsepower going to encourage crankwalk?

I apologize for the newbie questions, I have done my best to research other threads on this topic, but I'm hoping for some direct answers. There is a killer 6-bolt deal on craigslist right now, and I am seriously considering going to Harbor Freight to buy an engine stand...

Thanks!

 

[agarc023]

I don't think you should worry about too bad

 

[kbiker76]

If it hasnt crank walked by 115000 and 250 whp is nothing on these motors so that shouldnt worry you. I think you will be fine.

 

[RadDsm]

If you don't search the topic, your car will crankwalk.

 

[arturorz]

I found this thread a while back.
It has great information about crankwalk.

I spend close $1200 after I finished with all my Maintenance.
So, don't feel too bad about it.


http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cylinder-head-short-block/345564-thrust-bearing-modification-crankwalk-prevention.html

 

[DSM_PWR]

If you dont wash your car, your car will crankwalk

 

[red_devil]

too late it has crankwalk Dont waste your money n a 6 bolt if your car is running good. Your 7 bolt will laugh at the face of 250hp.

 

[Tyeler18]

By posting this thread, your car WILL crankwalk.

 

[2slow4now]

Just drive it. Have some fun and if it happens then its time to do something about it. Mine walked after 145k and the majority of its life it was bone stock.

There are things you can do to possibly help prevent it.
Disconnect the clutch safety switch and start it in neutral without pressing the clutch pedal in until the engine is running and oil is circulating. This makes sure you have oil at the thrust bearing before it has the clutch load on it. It is a safety feature to prevent trying to start the car in gear and lurching forward possibly running into or over someone so be aware.
Another thing is avoiding having to push start it. Same thing clutch load on the thrust bearing and no oil flow.
Maintenance and the best quality oil you can afford.

 

[TRSblader]

Any motor can crankwalk and at time at any power level. Even the 6 bolt can crankwalk. Even a Honda Civic can crankwalk. Do your maintenance, and don't worry about it. I'm having trouble finding it at the moment, but there was a thread with a poll in it with how many people have a clear and confirmed case of crankwalk (actually measured their crank play and tore the motor apart), and the numbers were astoundingly low.

On the Craigslist 6-bolt, if it's a good deal grab it if you want, but there is no necessity other than having a spare for a future build or possibly resale if the deal is good enough.

 

[Valerie]

By posting this thread, your car WILL crankwalk.

Nice purple talon by the way.

 

[98GSXtacy]

Just drive your car and keep up the maintenance on it and everything. Crankwalk is very overrated and like said before, it can happen to any car at any time. It's just something that 2g's have gotten a bad reputation for because of people blowing it way out of preportion. You could always buy the 6 bolt and build the crap out of it and wheather your motor goes from crankwalk or something or even continues to run great but you want a built motor, then you have a fully built 6 bolt waiting to go.

 

[jcactus101]

Thanks to everyone for their input!

I'm glad crankwalk is something I won't have to worry about too badly, things like this just make me nervous after all of the evidence of neglect I've come across since buying this "ALWAYS DEALER MAINTAINED" car... Ugghh. Talk is cheap, isn't it?

Fortunately my car is being prepped for paint, so with all of the sanding I haven't bothered to wash it... Thus preventing crankwalk! ...smartass...

Thanks again, everyone - much appreciated!!

 

[leecastillo]

crank walk can either happen or not it does not happen to all but it would be wise to invest in a upgraded thrust bearing and save yourself alot of money in the long run

 

[donniekak]

Honestly i'd be more worried of one of the wheels falling off.